[1] When Israel was a youth I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son. [2] The more they called them, The more they went from them; They kept sacrificing to the Baals And burning incense to graven images. [3] Yet it is I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them in My arms; But they did not know that I healed them. [4] I led them with cords of a man, with bonds of love, And I became to them as one who lifts the yoke from their jaws; And I bent down and fed them. [5] They will not return to the land of Egypt; But Assyria—he will be their king Because they refused to return to Me. [6] And the sword will whirl against their cities And will consume their gate bars And devour them because of their counsels. [7] So My people are hung up on turning from Me. Though they call them to the One on high, None at all exalts Him. [8] How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? How can I give you over to be like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned over within Me; All My compassions are stirred. [9] I will not execute My burning anger; I will not make Ephraim a ruin again. For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, And I will not come in wrath. [10] They will walk after Yahweh; He will roar like a lion; Indeed, He will roar, And His sons will come trembling from the west. [11] They will come trembling like birds from Egypt And like doves from the land of Assyria; And I will settle them in their houses, declares Yahweh. [12] Ephraim surrounds Me with lies And the house of Israel with deceit; And Judah is also unruly against God, Even against the Holy One who is faithful.
